Western Shores-Murray-KY (hardwood floor, countertops, appliances)

[rougueag]

We purchased a lot in the the Western Shores community on KY lake near Murray 2 years ago. We've been back several times and enjoy the area. We are contemplating building on the lot. However the information I am getting from the Western Shores area is building costs per square foot are in the $100-110. That seems rather expensive to me for this area. Does anyone have any info on building costs for this area.

[kentuckydad95]

Originally Posted by rougueag

We purchased a lot in the the Western Shores community on KY lake near Murray 2 years ago. We've been back several times and enjoy the area. We are contemplating building on the lot. However the information I am getting from the Western Shores area is building costs per square foot are in the $100-110. That seems rather expensive to me for this area. Does anyone have any info on building costs for this area.

There are so many factors that go into price per square foot, that it is impossible to tell you exactly. For $100 per, you should be able to get a NICE house. For around $70 per, you will get a more basic house with not as many frills. You also have to take into account location. The lakes are in the middle of nowhere and with the price of fuel, that will be a factor. Also keep in mind that the costs of building materials have almost doubled for some things.

[rougueag]

Thanks. That will give me a start

[KYcoyote]

General contractors will tell ye the kitchen's most expensive room in the house with cabinetry, appliances, countertops, etc. Staircase and bathroom plumbing fixtures notso cheap either. Other key choices effecting construction costs are brand name windows, pellas and andersons come to mind as bein near coupla hundred each - umm, say ye got 30 windows covering the house? Also hardwood floor materials can be outa sight, deluxe fitted oak strips priced at board foot. Nevermind fancy goodies like stone fireplace, dormers, gabled roof, skylights. And what about landscaping, driveway etc? Thems the variables anyhow that oughta help ye reconnoitre the project.

If it was me, I'd pour a slab (no basement) and shop Amish built homes brought in on flatbed.

[rconstruction]

Hi, I am a contractor in Murray KY. Cost to build in Murray can start around $75 per foot, but of course can be more than that depending how elaborate you are with what you put in your house. Everyone wants to be a contractor these days in Murray, so be careful and get someone that has real experience and not someone who decided to get in the game when the money was good!

[rougueag]

So how long have you been in the building business and are you familiar with the western shore development?

[rougueag]

We have not built yet. We visited over the summer and met with some builders. Most were too high in our opinion. We did find someone who was recommended by a friend. We have talked with him. He was reasonable and we are looking to draw plans now.

[HappyCouple]

We have in the last 60 days received two estimates to build our home in Western Shores, a 2,150 sq ft ranch plus a 400 sq ft bonus room above the garage The house is a 3 bedroom - 2 1/2 bath ranch with 2 1/2 car garage . It is a Don Gardner home and we gave a full set of prints to two contractors to estimate from and they had a month or more to prepare their estimate. The home has a 2,100 sq ft full basement that would not be a finished space. The estimates we received based on the living space sq ft (not including the unfinished basement)were very high at $165 - $170 per square ft. What we have found is one builder included total cost divided by total sq ft including the unfinished basement, the front open porch , the rear screened porch and the garage to state a cost of $78 sq ft. So beware when you get a sq ft cost and ask how it is calculated. Regardless we can not sell our 2,600 ft home in Chicago suburbs (four bedroom- three bath - 3 1/2 car garage) with a large cedar deck , city water -sewers, with wooded back yard (with deer) great schools and near to everything Chicago has to offer and build a somewhat smaller home in Kentucky- Murray for the two estimates we have in writing.

[kentuckydad95]

Originally Posted by HappyCouple

We have in the last 60 days received two estimates to build our home in Western Shores, a 2,150 sq ft ranch plus a 400 sq ft bonus room above the garage The house is a 3 bedroom - 2 1/2 bath ranch with 2 1/2 car garage . It is a Don Gardner home and we gave a full set of prints to two contractors to estimate from and they had a month or more to prepare their estimate. The home has a 2,100 sq ft full basement that would not be a finished space. The estimates we received based on the living space sq ft (not including the unfinished basement)were very high at $165 - $170 per square ft. What we have found is one builder included total cost divided by total sq ft including the unfinished basement, the front open porch , the rear screened porch and the garage to state a cost of $78 sq ft. So beware when you get a sq ft cost and ask how it is calculated. Regardless we can not sell our 2,600 ft home in Chicago suburbs (four bedroom- three bath - 3 1/2 car garage) with a large cedar deck , city water -sewers, with wooded back yard (with deer) great schools and near to everything Chicago has to offer and build a somewhat smaller home in Kentucky- Murray for the two estimates we have in writing.

Just be careful in choosing a builder. There are not alot of builders around here who can build a level house. And I am NOT joking.

[rougueag]

We feel your pain. We have chosen to wait until we build. Evidently the builders have not heard there is a recession in the building industry. The quotes we received are $25-30 per square foot higher than where we live now. We love the area and hope to build in the future.